July 1st, 2015

I'm delighted to say that John Joseph Adams just bought my fantasy story "The Plausibility of Dragons" for Lightspeed Magazine. This is my first sale ever to John, and I couldn't be happier. I'll let you know when it comes out.

February 9th, 2015

Here's my schedule for Boskone 52, February 13-15 at the Westin Boston Waterfront. Hmmm, they have me moderating three (!) panels, and doing three (!) readings. *Gulp*

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Reading: Kenneth Schneyer

Friday 21:30 - 21:55, Griffin

Kenneth Schneyer

Dune — 50 Years later

Saturday 13:00 - 13:50, Harbor I

Frank Herbert's Dune, published in 1955, was an epic science fiction saga that won the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award in 1966. Now, 50 years after its publication, we look back at the legacy left by Frank Herbert and his unique vision of a feudal interstellar society that was rocked by political machinations, contentious religious orders, and a very lucrative spice trade — and giant worms! How has this seminal work held up over time? What place might it take in the science fiction hall of fame? Panelists also discuss the impact that Dune has had on their own work as well as on the development of science and science fiction.

Constructive Criticism for Revising Novel-Length Work

Saturday 15:00 - 15:50, Burroughs

Both getting and giving constructive criticism can be a challenge when going through the revision process, particularly for longer works. As a writer: how do you know what to ask of a potential critic, and how do you provide feedback on the success of the critique? As a critic: how do you identify and communicate issues or problems to the author? How do you keep track of plot threads, identify themes, and figure out what questions need to be asked? Also, how should writer and critic approach a series?

Flash Fiction Slam

Sunday 09:30 - 11:00, Marina 4

Join Boskone's second Flash Fiction Slam. Be one of eleven (11) writers to compete for the title of The Flash, reading your own original fiction — which must tell a complete tale within a 3-minute period. Our expert panel of judges will score your work, and you automatically lose 10 percent for going over your 3-minute time. You may only read your own work. The reader with the top score wins! Sign up before the con for one of eight (8) reading slots on a first-come, first-served basis by e-mailing erin.m.underwood@gmail.com. Or sign up onsite at Program Ops in the Galleria for one of three (3) at-con openings. A waiting list will also be available.

Writing Workshops: What's Right for You as a New Writer?

Sunday 11:00 - 11:50, Marina 3

Thinking about attending a writing workshop or an MFA program? Wondering how to pick which one is right for you? Once you do, then what? There is no magic formula to elicit an acceptance letter, but a solid application is a good place to start. Join representatives from various writing programs and learn how to present the best of what you have to offer as a student.

Over on my other LJ, I've been talking about my Dad's bridge column, which he published in a local newspaper from 1967 to 1971. Dad was a very well-spoken and funny man, and he knew the game of bridge inside and out.

I've decided to post these slowly, maybe one per week -- there are over 140 of them in my possession, so this is going to take a few years. Here's a link to a list of all the columns by date & title. As I post new ones on LJ, I'll link its name on this master list to its location.

If you're interested in the game of bridge, or if you just like funny amateur writing, you might want to give these a try.